“In many ways Kano stands as a heretic vis-à-vis the classical bujutsu and budo traditions. For example, in devising Kodokan Judo training methods he defied the classical concept of yugen insofar as this term implies 'mysterious skills.’ To some degree this is a direct refutation of yomeigakyu philosophy, which form the very backbone of all classical learning methods. Kano did not agree that it was necessary to acquire technical and spiritual maturity both through experience and through penetration of the hidden depths of the okuden, or secret teaching; for if this were admitted, Kano’s own study, particularly that made in a purely academic way, would mark him as being deficient in many respects in his knowledge of classical bujutsu. Kano also placed less reliance on kan, or intuition, in learning, replacing it with rational thought and analysis based on a ‘method instruction in conformity with modern science.’”

Anyone who thinks judo is weak should explain to me why Yoshida, a judo champion crushed royce gracie? Why does sakuraba, another guy who beat the gracies train with yoshida?
Helio gracie was once beaten by a japanese JUDO fighter.

Judo instructors were sent around the world to spread Judo as Kano Sensei felt it had all around physical and mental benefits.
These Judo instructors in some cases set up trade businesses and in the case of one in England became prize fighters.
I believe the one in Brazil who trained Gracie set up a trade business of some sort.
I would say the difference you see in Judo and BJJ (I've trained both, nikyu in Judo) is Judo is 50/50 standing throws and groundfighting. BJJ focuses more on the ground and has several takedowns which wouldn't score points in judo because the knees are not both allowed to touch and so forth. One of the Judo schools I train at has BJJ and Sambo guest instructors all the time.
Kano was well ahead of his time not only in Judo but in his Olympic support and education reforms. There aren't really many folks you could compare him to. He was one of a kind.